Final-day drama: Premiership battles set for decisive Saturday showdowns
Image: BackpagePix
As the Premiership gears up for a spectacular Saturday with six matches kicking off simultaneously at 3pm, the schedule is brimming with intense rivalries and the potential for unexpected twists.
The teams will be vying for crucial points that could shape their seasons.
Each club brings its own narrative, and the outcomes have the potential to reshape the Premiership log on a day that marks the final matches for 12 teams.
Four other teams – Orlando Pirates, Magesi FC, Golden Arrows, and SuperSport United – each have one outstanding fixture following Saturday's round.
Every goal scored and every point earned will matter more than ever, with several positions potentially being decided on goal difference as the PSL season reaches its climax.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
CAF Confederation Cup ticket
A gripping showdown is set as Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United battle for a coveted place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup.
With just one match remaining, the stakes could not be higher. Stellenbosch currently sit third, holding a slender one-point lead.
Their route to continental football is straightforward: a victory in their derby clash against Cape Town City on Saturday would seal qualification, securing a second consecutive appearance on the African stage.
However, if they draw or lose, the door opens for Sekhukhune, who will be looking to take full advantage with a win at Lamontville Golden Arrows in Durban.
Should Stellenbosch lose and Sekhukhune draw, goal difference will determine who earns the final Confederation Cup ticket in what has become a tightly contested race.
No holds barred in Top 8 scramble
The race for the final MTN8 spots is heating up, with a frantic fight to fill the remaining three positions.
Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch, Sekhukhune and TS Galaxy (who, like Sundowns, have completed their league campaign with 28 games) have already secured their berths in this prestigious tournament.
AmaZulu, in sixth with 34 points, appear safe thanks to their superior goal difference, giving them a comfortable cushion.
That leaves six clubs in a fierce struggle to claim the final two slots: Polokwane City (33 points), Kaizer Chiefs (31), Chippa United (31 from 28 games), Marumo Gallants (31), Richards Bay (30) and Magesi (29).
Polokwane could secure their spot even with a draw or loss against Chiefs.
For the others, victory is essential if they are to secure a place in next season's Top 8 – setting the stage for a nail-biting finale.
One more to go. But before we close the chapter, let's rewind to Jaedin's goal last time out 🔥
Let's finish strong 💪 pic.twitter.com/oSpq7TJdTS — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 22, 2025
Promotion-relegation play-offs awash with uncertainty
Following Royal AM's expulsion, no club faces automatic relegation, but the team finishing 15th will enter the PSL promotion-relegation playoffs against two First Division sides.
The battle to avoid this fate is tight, with three teams still at risk: Lamontville Golden Arrows (26 games, 27 points), SuperSport United (26 games, 26 points) and Cape Town City (27 games, 26 points).
If City lose to Stellenbosch on Saturday, they will be consigned to the play-offs – unless SuperSport fail to win either of their two remaining fixtures.
Should both clubs end on 26 points, goal difference will determine who drops into the playoff zone.
Arrows are best positioned to escape danger, but back-to-back defeats – against Sekhukhune and SuperSport – could see them slide into trouble.
After Saturday's action, the final picture will come into focus when Arrows and SuperSport replay their abandoned February fixture, wrapping up what has been a turbulent and unpredictable season.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Tinkler's new look Sekhukhune United pass first test
Bradley Grobler celebrates scoring on debut for Sekhukhune United, helping fire Babina Noko into the MTN8 semi-finals. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Sekhukhune United's off-season rebuild began paying immediate dividends as their refreshed squad delivered a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over TS Galaxy to book a place in the MTN8 semi-finals. Babina Noko twice had to come from behind in the five-goal contest, with 37-year-old striker Bradley Grobler announcing his arrival in emphatic style by scoring twice on debut. The result means Eric Tinkler's side will now meet Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals — a rematch of the final-day league clash that saw Stellies pip them to third place last season. Tinkler, who oversaw one of the most active transfer windows in the league, handed debuts to several signings, including two promising youngsters in Olerato Mandi and Medupi Thokolo. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'We had five new signings in our matchday squad,' said Tinkler post-match. 'We took a bit of a risk with the two youngsters. "Olerato, who played as a No 10, has only been with the group for about four weeks, but I felt it was better to start him and take him off if needed. And Medupi, who came from Casric Stars, gave a really solid showing in central defence—even if we are asking him to adapt to a new, possession-based style.' But the headline act was undoubtedly Grobler, the former SuperSport United talisman, who twice pulled Sekhukhune level with clinical finishes—his experience proving vital in a game of fine margins. Exciting start indeed 🦔 — Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) August 3, 2025
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Bulls try to remain grounded after flying start to Currie Cup campaign
Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse will relish the chance to rattle the high-flying Bulls as his side look to bounce back from their Cheetahs defeat. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Despite their rollicking start to the Currie Cup season, with two bonus-point wins, 112 points scored and only 23 conceded, the Bulls are wary of getting too far ahead of themselves at this early stage of the campaign. Last year's Currie Cup performance remains a stark reminder of the pitfalls of failing to maintain high standards throughout the tournament, after a similarly bright start ultimately yielded no silverware. It is a lesson not lost on Bulls assistant coach Kennedy Tsimba. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'This is just the first couple of steps in a campaign that has been looking promising, but we do know that each week brings its different challenges,' Tsimba said, at a media conference on Monday afternoon. 'It's about not getting ahead of yourself and understanding that there are teams that are going to give us different questions that we need to deal with. 'But I think the lesson we did learn from last year is that yes, you can play well, but it's about being able to perform at the right time — when you need to peak. As a team, we've got to navigate how we peak and be able to deal with the competition as it gets to the business end.' Tsimba expects the nuggety Pumas to ask the Bulls some uncomfortable questions in Sunday's home fixture. The side from Mpumalanga opened with a win over Griquas but fell to the Cheetahs this past weekend. 'They are an interesting team that will definitely bring a different challenge. There is a whole range of skills that are going to be on show,' he said. 'Whatever questions they ask of us, we've got to be able to execute the answers. And I think we're confident enough to handle that.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Nabi's new-look Kaizer Chiefs face stern Stellenbosch test in season opener
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi faces a tough start to life in the Betway Premiership as his side travel to face a confident Stellenbosch FC. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Kaizer Chiefs embark on a challenging new season in the Betway Premiership this Sunday when they travel to Cape Town to face a determined Stellenbosch FC under the guidance of coach Steve Barker. The match marks not only the beginning of the league campaign for Chiefs but also a significant test for head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has pledged that his team will compete fiercely in all competitions this year. Chiefs enjoyed a break last weekend while the MTN8 quarter-finals were in progress. This hiatus has given them time to prepare, but it could also mean they lack match sharpness as they head into the opener against Stellenbosch, who come into the clash fresh off a 3-2 extra-time victory over AmaZulu in Cape Town. In a bid to remedy last season's disappointing performance, Chiefs have made several signings during the off-season and underwent a rigorous pre-season camp in the Netherlands. However, the results of their preparations have been underwhelming, with the team losing six of their pre-season matches, culminating in a narrow penalty defeat to Ghana's Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup in Durban. Nabi, reflecting on his strategy for the season, told reporters: 'How we're approaching the season with the league, the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup is to take it game by game and do everything we can in every game to win.' His determination to compete in every match is clear, though he acknowledges the uncertainty that comes with football: 'Maybe it's not gonna be possible to win all the games, maybe it's gonna be possible, but we are going to challenge for every game in whatever capabilities we will be in,' he added. Despite their struggles in pre-season, Nabi remains optimistic. Chiefs have secured the talents of six new players, but integrating these signings into a cohesive starting eleven remains a work in progress. With broader ambitions across the CAF Confederation Cup, the Carling Knockout, and the Nedbank Cup, pressure is mounting on Nabi to deliver early results and avoid repeating the missteps of last season. A continued lack of progress could prompt the club's management to reconsider their commitment to his tenure.
